Backer card for providing container support

ABSTRACT

There is provided a backer card for use with a tray comprising rows of compartments, wherein adjacent compartments are separated by a corresponding recess, the backer card comprising: a central portion, at least one side portion and at least one locking tab extending from the central portion to the at least one side portion. The at least one locking tab is configured to be insertable into the recess.

The present invention relates generally to containers and in particular, to a backer card for providing support to a container so that it may be stacked in an upright position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Food products can come packaged in trays within containers. One conventional type of container includes a thermoformed tray. Several conventional lidding materials are available for covering conventional trays. Lidding materials may be metal foil, flexible plastic wrap or rigid plastic.

One such container disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0230411 is a container for food product and includes a film affixed to a food tray. The film forms a top of the container and has an access opening. The sealing label, adhesively sealed to the top around the opening, is re-sealable when a tab of the sealing label is pulled back. The sealing label is re-sealable against the top layer to seal the opening when the label is moved back against the top. In one form, the sealing label extends along the top of the container and seals along a portion of the film which is affixed to one or more top end surfaces of walls forming the tray.

Another such container disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,532 is a container for a food product and includes a wrapper which surrounds a frame. The container can be any polygonal shape which is defined by the shape of the frame. The wrapper forms a top of the container which has an access opening. A sealing layer is adhesively sealed to the top around the opening. The sealing layer is re-sealable when a tab of the sealing layer is pulled back. The sealing layer is re-sealable against the top layer to seal the opening when the sealing layer is moved back to a flat position on the top. Various tamper-evident structures are provided to indicate when the container has been initially opened or tampered with.

Such containers are effective when the container is positioned horizontally, or “lying down”. However, when it is desired or required to position the container vertically, or “standing up”, the containers are less effective and it may be difficult to prevent the container from falling over. Accordingly, there exists a need for improvements to trays and containers such the container is better suited to be maintained in an upright position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention there is provided a backer card for use with a tray comprising rows of compartments, wherein adjacent compartments are separated by a corresponding recess, the backer card comprising: a central portion; at least one side portion; and at least one locking tab extending from the central portion to the at least one side portion, wherein the at least one locking tab is configured to be insertable into the recess.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a backer card;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the backer card of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a sample tray (prior art);

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the backer card of FIG. 1 in use with the tray of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a container comprising the backer card and tray of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the container of FIG. 5 in a partially open configuration;

FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of a backer card;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the backer card of FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a front side view of another embodiment of the backer card.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

For convenience, like numerals in the description refer to like structures in the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of a backer card is illustrated generally as reference numeral 100. As can be seen, backer card 100 comprises a central portion 102, a first side portion 104, a second side portion 106 and a plurality of locking tabs 108. The first side portion 104 is bendable relative to the central portion 102 about a first line of flex 110. The second side portion 106 is bendable relative to the central portion 102 about a second line of flex 112.

In this embodiment, six locking tabs 108 are provided. Three locking tabs 108 are provided along each of the first line of flex 110 and the second line of flex 112 providing a top locking tab 108 a, a middle locking tab 108 b and a bottom locking tab 108 c.

Each of the locking tabs 108 is configured to extend from the central portion 102 to a corresponding one of the first side portion 104 or the second side portion 106. Each locking tab 108 is generally rectangular in shape and formed by creating a top slit 114 along a top length of the locking tab 108 and a bottom slit 116 along a bottom length of the locking tab 108.

Referring to FIG. 2, an isometric view of the backer card 100 with the first side portion 104 and the second side portion 106 folded is illustrated generally as reference numeral 200. The first side portion 104 is folded at angle θ₁ with respect to the central portion 102. The second side portion 106 is folded at angle θ₂ (not shown) with respect to the central portion 102. Further, the locking tabs 108 are shown in a lock position. In the lock position, each locking tab 108 comprises a first member 202 extending from the central portion 102 and a second member 204 extending from the first side portion 104 toward the second side portion 106. The second member 204 extends from the first side portion 104 at an angle φ₁ with the first member 202 that is equal to the angle θ₁ formed by the first side portion 104 and the central portion 102. Although only the locking tabs 108 for the first side portion 104 are visible in FIG. 2, the locking tabs 108 for the second side portion 106 are similarly configured.

Referring to FIG. 3 an example of a typical tray is illustrated generally as reference numeral 300. The tray has a length 301, a width 303 and a height 305. The tray 300 comprises a plurality of distinct compartments 302 defined, at least in part, by dividers 308. The dividers 308 between adjacent compartments 302 are spaced apart creating recesses 304 between the compartments 302. The compartments 302 are dimensioned to fit food. Thus, although the compartments 302 are illustrated having a squared-off bottom portion 302 a, the bottom portion 302 a may take other contours, depending on the food. For example, for the tray 300 used for storing Oreo® cookies, the bottom portion 302 a is rounded.

The backer card 100 is to be positioned behind the tray 300 to provide support thereto. Thus, thus it will be appreciated that the configuration of the backer card 100 is closely related to the tray 300 for which it will provide the support. That is, the dimensions of the backer card 100 rely, at least in part, on the dimensions of the tray 300. For example, the central portion 102 is configured to be at least as wide as the width 303 of the tray 300. Depending on the implementation, the length of the backer card 100 may not need to be the same as the length 301 of the tray 300. Only a fraction of the length 301 of the tray 300 may be sufficient to provide the necessary support.

Similarly, the size, position and number of locking tabs 108 may depend on the recesses 304 in the tray 300. For example, the locking tabs 108 are sized and positioned so that they fit within the recesses 304. In one implementation, two locking tabs 108 may be provided for each recess 304, one on each side of the central portion 102. In another implementation, each recess 304 may only need one locking tab 108. In this implementation, the locking tabs 108 may be placed on the same side of the central portion 102 for each recess 304 or may alternate sides of the central portion 102 between adjacent recesses 304. In yet another implementation, the locking tabs 108 may only be provided for the top and bottom recesses 304. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that various configurations of the locking tabs 108 can be implemented.

Further, the width of the first side portion 104 and the second side portion 106 may vary depending on the implementation. For example, in one implementation, the width of each side portion 104 and 106 is the same as the height 305 of the tray 300. In another implementation, the width of each side portion 104 and 106 is a fraction the height 305 of the tray 300. In yet another implementation, the width of one of the side portions 104 and 106 is the same as the height 305 of the tray 300 and the width of the other of the side portions 106 and 104 is a fraction the height 305 of the tray 300.

Referring to FIG. 4, an assembly of the backer card 200 and the tray 300 is illustrated generally by numeral 400. The backer card 200 is positioned around the tray 300 such that the locking tabs 108 are inserted into the recesses 304 between the compartments 302. In this configuration two locking tabs 108 are provided in each of the recesses 304. That is, for each recess 304, one locking tab 108 is provided proximate the first side portion 104 and one locking tab is provided proximate the second side portion 106. The six locking tabs 108 are arranged amongst the three recesses 304 in this manner. As will be appreciated, the locking tabs 108 facilitate maintaining the backer card 100 in position in the assembly 400, thus assisting packaging thereof.

Optionally, an adhesive may be used to further facilitate maintaining the backer card 100 in position in the assembly 400. The adhesive could be applied to one or more of the central portion 102, the first side portion 104 or the second side portion 106. Placement of the adhesive may vary depending on the implementation. For example, if the adhesive is applied to the central portion 102 it may be placed on an entire surface area of the central portion 102 that will be in contact with the tray 300. Alternatively, the adhesive may only be applied at strategic points of the central portion 102 that will be in contact with the tray 300. Similarly, the adhesive may be applied to an entire surface area of the first side portion 104 that will be in contact with the tray 300 or only at strategic points thereof. Also, the adhesive may be applied to an entire surface area of the second side portion 106 that will be in contact with the tray 300 or only at strategic points thereof.

The type of adhesive may vary depending on a number of factors including cost, effectiveness, the type of materials used for the backer card 100 and the tray 300, and the like. Examples of types of adhesive that could be used include glue, double-sided tape and the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an example of a container is illustrated generally as reference numeral 500. The container 500 contains the backer card 100 and tray 300. The container 500 comprises a top 512, bottom 513, opposing sides 514 a and 514 b, opposing ends 515 a and 515 b, a corner 524 and a re-sealable panel 516 with a tab 522. The top 512 has an opening 518 from which the contents of the compartments 302 are accessible. FIG. 5 shows the container 500 in a closed configuration while FIG. 6 shows the container 500 in a partially open configuration.

The panel 516, when pulled back from the container 500, forms an opening 518 from which the contents of the compartments 302 are accessible. A sealing layer 520 is affixed to the panel 516 using an appropriate adhesive. The sealing layer 520 covers a substantial portion of the top 512 extending from the proximity of the end 515 b to the proximity of the end 515 a. The re-sealable panel 516 is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,918,532.

The tab 522 extends past the corner 524 and can be grasped and is easily accessible to pull the panel 516 open. Adhesive 526 is applied to the surface of the sealing layer 520 which is in contact with the top 512. The adhesive 526 provides a re-sealable seal between the sealing layer 520 and the top 512.

A person of skill in the art will appreciate that while one particular type of container 500 has been described, different types of containers or packaging can be used.

If it is desired to display the container 500 in an upright, or vertical, position, the container would be placed on one of the opposing ends 515 a or 515 b. Accordingly, as will be appreciated, the general u-shape of the backer card 200 in the assembly 400 provides support for maintaining the container 500 in this position. Further, the locking tabs 108 provide some additional support to maintain separation of the compartments 302 in this position.

Furthermore, as described above, while the backer card 100 with six locking tabs 108 has been described, more or less supports may be used. For instance, in another embodiment, four locking tabs 108 are formed into the backer card 100 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

In addition, although two slits 114 and 116 have been described to form the locking tabs 108 other methods may be employed. For example, in another embodiment, the locking tabs 108 are formed by cutting or punching apertures 902 in the backer card 100 along the top length of the locking tab 108 and bottom length of the locking tab 108 as shown in FIG. 9.

In the embodiments described above, the backer card 108 is cardboard. However, as a person of skill in the art will appreciate, other materials may be used depending on the tray material, the container materials and the product stored within the tray 300.

While a particular configuration of locking tabs 108 has been described, a person of skill in the art will appreciate that the number, spacing and location of the locking tabs 108 may vary depending on the application. Furthermore, the locking tabs 108 may not be symmetrical about the first line of flex 110 and/or the second line of flex 112.

Yet further, although the backer card 100 and the tray 300 are described as separate pieces, it may be possible to create combination tray and backer card in which the backer card 100 is integral to the tray to form the assembly 400.

Although embodiments have been described above with reference to the figures, those of skill in the art will appreciate that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A backer card for use with a tray comprising rows of compartments, wherein adjacent compartments are separated by a corresponding recess, the backer card comprising: a central portion; at least one side portion; and at least one locking tab extending from the central portion to the at least one side portion, wherein the at least one locking tab is configured to be insertable into the recess.
 2. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the at least one side portion comprises a first side portion and a second side portion on opposing sides of the central portion.
 3. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the central portion and the at least one side portion have the same approximate length.
 4. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the central portion and the at least one side portion have the same approximate length as the tray.
 5. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the at least one side portion has the same width as the height of the tray.
 6. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the at least one side portion is bendable relative to the central portion about a line of flex.
 7. The backer card of claim 2, wherein the first side portion is bendable relative to the central portion about a first line of flex and the second side portion is bendable relative to the central portion about a second line of flex.
 8. The backer card of claim 1, wherein one locking tab is provided for each recess.
 9. The backer card of claim 2, comprising a plurality of locking tabs, each of the plurality of locking tabs positioned on a same one of the first side portion or the second side portion.
 10. The backer card of claim 2, comprising a plurality of locking tabs, alternating ones of the plurality of locking tabs positioned on a different one of the first side portion and the second side portion.
 11. The backer card of claim 1, wherein two locking tabs are provided for each recess.
 12. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the at least one locking tab further comprises: a first member extending from the central portion; and a second member extending from the at least one side portion.
 13. The backer card of claim 12, wherein the first and second members form an angle approximately the same as the angle formed by the central portion and the first side portion.
 14. The backer card of claim 12, wherein the first member is integral with the central portion.
 15. The backer card of claim 12, wherein the second member is integral with the at least one side portion.
 16. The backer card of claim 12, wherein the first member is integral with the second member.
 17. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the locking tab is defined by a top slit along a top length of the locking tab and a bottom slit along a bottom length of the locking tab.
 18. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the locking tab is defined by a top aperture punched along a top length of the locking tab and a bottom aperture punched along a bottom length of the locking tab.
 19. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the backer card is formed from cardboard.
 20. The backer card of claim 1, wherein the backer card further includes an adhesive for attaching to the tray.
 21. A container comprising: the backer card of claim 1; and the tray comprising rows of compartments, wherein adjacent compartments are separated by the corresponding recess.
 22. The container of claim 21, further comprising a re-sealable panel.
 23. The container of claim 22, wherein the re-sealable panel permits access to the tray when the tray is in an upright position.
 24. The container of claim 20 in which the backer card is integral to the tray. 